Queensland

Electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes are also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, vape pens or personal vapourisers. They heat liquid, which usually contains nicotine, into a fine vapour for inhalation into the lungs. Products vary widely in design and operation, but typically consist of a battery, heating element, and a cartridge or refillable tank containing substances such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, liquid nicotine and flavourings.

Electronic cigarettes that contain liquid nicotine

Under the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (PDF, 1 MB)(HDPR), it is an offence for a person to manufacture, obtain, possess, prescribe, dispense, sell, advertise, use or destroy nicotine, unless the person is specifically authorised or holds an approval under the HDPR. This includes importing electronic cigarettes containing nicotine for personal or therapeutic use. The maximum penalty is $9,108.

Electronic cigarette containing liquid nicotine can be safely disposed of at a community pharmacy or a local public health unit.